Delaware Looks To Rebound Vs. Maine
By Matt Leon
NEWARK, Del. (CBS) -- The Delaware Blue Hens will look to bounce back from their first loss of the season on Saturday as they host Maine in Colonial Athletic Association action.
Delaware fell at New Hampshire last Saturday 34-14. The Blue Hens actually led 7-0 at the break, but it was all Wildcats over the final 30 minutes.
Delaware head coach K.C. Keeler says they missed opportunities to take control of the game early and they were also a little limited because starting quarterback Trent Hurley is battling through a foot sprain. Keeler talks about his status going forward.
"I think we've been smart this week in terms of limiting his snaps," Keeler tells KYW Newsradio. "Critical game for us this week because we do have a bye week next week. So if we can find a way to survive this contest against Maine, the actual plan is to put him in a cast right after the game and shut him down for a week and then hopefully get him back closer to 100 percent for the rest of the season."
Listen To Podcast With Coach K.C. Keeler:
Maine is coming off a 35-14 loss at home to Villanova, which dropped them to 1-3.
"They are a little bit in transition, six new starters on defense, but the defense plays really hard. A little light up front, but they are physical kids," Keeler says of Maine. "Offensively, I think they are a little surprised they haven't played better. They have about eight or nine starters back on the offensive side of the ball. Four of their five offensive lineman are back. New quarterback (Marcus Wasilewski) who really opened it up as the game went on against Villanova and actually threw for (409) yards. They had a little trouble running the football against Villanova (just 11 yards), but were very effective at throwing the ball."
Last season Delaware traveled up to Orono and lost to Maine 31-17.
The Blue Hens and the Black Bears will kick-off at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday.
You can follow Matt on Twitter @mattleonkyw.
